Princeton, Ind., to be recognized as Main Street community

Will bring assistance to improve city's downtown

PRINCETON, Ind. - A Princeton, Ind., nonprofit organization will be recognized officially Thursday as a Main Street Community by Indiana Main Street — the state program that encourages the revitalization of downtowns.

With the designation, the state will provide Downtown Princeton Inc. with professional assistance and education to help improve the city's downtown area.

The focus of Downtown Princeton Inc. is on boosting downtown businesses and developing entertainment events, according to Paula French, vice president of the group.

The group has worked to achieve the state recognition for about a year, Mayor Bob Hurst said.

Hurst said the designation also will help the city to receive state grants. However, they won't likely be awarded any new grants until they've received the $15 million set aside to them after having been chosen by the state as the 2012 Stellar Community.

The Stellar grants give the town a combination of state and federal funds to put toward several community projects, including downtown facade improvements and renovating the city's old movie theater to a community theater.

"But once Stellar comes out and we're done, we may apply for others," he said.

Hurst, an honorary committee member of Downtown Princeton Inc., said the town will have to meet with one other Indiana Main Street community this year to trade ideas.

According to the program's website, there are currently 112 other Indiana Main Street communities.

"By forming Downtown Princeton Inc., the community is showing they understand the importance of a thriving downtown," said Shae Kmicikewycz, the program's manager, in a news release.

The organization, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana spokesperson Kelly Dillon, will receive a certificate from Kmicikewycz at 9 a.m. Thursday at the gazebo on the lawn of the Gibson County Courthouse in downtown Princeton.